San Jose State University Jobs offer exciting opportunities for academics and professionals in the heart of Silicon Valley. As the oldest public university on the West Coast, San Jose State University provides a dynamic environment for professor positions, research jobs, and lecturer roles. Whether you're seeking faculty jobs at San Jose State University or exploring academic careers, our platform connects you with higher education jobs tailored to your expertise. Discover competitive salaries in San Jose State University academia, rate professors, and uncover academic opportunities that align with your goals. From engineering to humanities, San Jose State University fosters innovation and growth. Check out professor ratings on Rate My Professor to make informed decisions, and explore job listings on AcademicJobs.com for the latest openings. Join a community dedicated to excellence in education and research at this prestigious institution. With a rich history dating back to 1857, San Jose State University has evolved into a comprehensive university serving over 36,000 students. Its location in San Jose provides unparalleled access to tech giants, making it ideal for research jobs at San Jose State University. Academics can benefit from collaborations with industry leaders, enhancing career progression. For students, professor ratings help in selecting courses that lead to successful outcomes. Explore more about academic careers at San Jose State University through our resources.
About San Jose State University
San Jose State University, founded in 1857 as the Minns Evening Normal School, is the oldest public university on the West Coast and a founding campus of the California State University system. Located in the vibrant city of San Jose, California, in the heart of Silicon Valley, SJSU serves over 36,000 students across more than 250 areas of study. The university's mission emphasizes innovation, diversity, and community engagement, preparing students for successful careers in a global economy. Key achievements include being ranked among the top public universities in the West by U.S. News & World Report and producing alumni who lead in tech, business, and public service. SJSU's campus spans 154 acres in downtown San Jose, with additional facilities for research and athletics. For more details, visit the San Jose State University Website. Explore academic jobs in related locations such as Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in California, and Academic Jobs in San Jose.
San Jose State University's history is marked by resilience and adaptation. Originally established to train teachers, it expanded during the 20th century to include programs in engineering, business, and sciences, reflecting the region's growth into a tech hub. Today, SJSU is known for its strong emphasis on applied learning, with partnerships with companies like Google, Apple, and Cisco. The university boasts diverse faculties and student body, with over 50% of students from underrepresented groups. Key departments include the Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering, Lucas College and Graduate School of Business, and the College of Science. SJSU has produced notable alumni such as Gordon Moore (co-founder of Intel) and Dianne Feinstein (former U.S. Senator). The campus features modern facilities like the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, a joint venture with the city of San Jose, which is one of the largest public libraries in the U.S. SJSU's commitment to sustainability is evident in its LEED-certified buildings and green initiatives. For academics interested in higher education jobs at San Jose State University, the institution offers a supportive environment with resources for research and professional development. Students and job seekers can benefit from exploring professor positions at San Jose State University and lecturer roles at San Jose State University through platforms like AcademicJobs.com.
In terms of academic excellence, San Jose State University has been recognized for its contributions to social mobility, ranking high in national surveys for helping students from low-income backgrounds achieve upward mobility. The university's research output has grown significantly, with funding from federal agencies like NSF and NIH supporting projects in areas such as cybersecurity, biotechnology, and urban planning. SJSU's location in Silicon Valley provides unique opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, making it a prime spot for research jobs at San Jose State University. The university also hosts cultural events, athletic programs (Spartans in NCAA Division I), and community outreach, enriching the overall experience for faculty and students alike.
Faculty Job Opportunities at San Jose State University
Faculty job opportunities at San Jose State University are abundant, particularly in high-demand fields influenced by its Silicon Valley location. According to recent trends from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education and university reports, there's strong demand for roles in engineering, computer science, business, and health sciences. For instance, assistant professor positions in the College of Engineering often focus on areas like artificial intelligence and sustainable energy, reflecting 2025 academic trends toward tech innovation. Lecturer roles at San Jose State University are popular in humanities and social sciences, providing flexible teaching opportunities. Research jobs at San Jose State University emphasize applied research, with funding opportunities from industry partners. Salary ranges, based on 2025 data from Glassdoor and university disclosures, typically start at $85,000-$105,000 for assistant professors, $95,000-$125,000 for associate professors, and $115,000+ for full professors, varying by department and experience. Factors like tenure track and location in high-cost California influence these figures. Explore professor positions at San Jose State University through Higher Ed Jobs on AcademicJobs.com, filtered specifically for SJSU.
In the College of Business, faculty jobs at San Jose State University often include positions for experts in data analytics and entrepreneurship, aligning with Silicon Valley's startup culture. The College of Education seeks lecturers and professors in teacher preparation and educational leadership, addressing California's ongoing need for qualified educators. Health professions, including nursing and kinesiology, see high demand due to public health trends post-pandemic. Academic careers at San Jose State University benefit from the university's emphasis on diversity and inclusion, with initiatives supporting underrepresented faculty. Job trends for 2025 indicate a rise in interdisciplinary roles, such as those combining tech with environmental studies. For those interested in higher education jobs at San Jose State University, the application process typically involves submitting a CV, teaching philosophy, and research statement via the university's portal. Networking at conferences or through alumni can enhance chances. Salaries in San Jose State University academia are competitive, often supplemented by benefits like health insurance and retirement plans. To find the latest openings, visit Faculty Jobs and filter by location in California.
Research fellows and postdoc positions are also available, particularly in STEM fields, with stipends ranging from $60,000-$80,000 annually. The university's Moss Landing Marine Laboratories offer unique opportunities in marine science. For administrative roles supporting faculty, such as department chairs, salaries can reach $150,000+. Trends show increasing remote and hybrid options for some lecturer roles at San Jose State University, adapting to post-2020 work models. Academic opportunities at San Jose State University extend to adjunct professor jobs, ideal for professionals balancing industry work. Rate professors at San Jose State University via Rate My Professor to gain insights into department cultures. Overall, pursuing faculty jobs at San Jose State University positions you at the forefront of innovation in higher education.
Assistant Professor in Engineering 💼
Focus on AI and robotics; salary $90,000-$110,000.
Lecturer in Business
Teach entrepreneurship; part-time options available.
Research Fellow in Health Sciences 🔬
Public health projects; grant-funded.
Associate Professor in Education
Tenure-track with leadership potential.
Why Work at San Jose State University
Working at San Jose State University offers unparalleled advantages for academic careers, especially in a tech-driven environment. The university's proximity to Silicon Valley provides faculty with unique research opportunities, collaborations with industry leaders, and access to cutting-edge resources. Benefits include competitive salaries, comprehensive health plans, and professional development funds. SJSU emphasizes work-life balance with flexible scheduling and support for diverse faculty. Career prospects are strong, with high tenure rates and opportunities for advancement. Unique perks include tuition waivers for family members and access to cultural events. Explore why academic careers at San Jose State University are rewarding through Higher Ed Career Advice.
Faculty appreciate the inclusive community and commitment to social justice, with programs supporting underrepresented groups. Research funding is robust, with grants from NSF and private sectors. The vibrant campus life, including Division I athletics, enhances the overall experience.
Salary Guide for Faculty at San Jose State University
The salary guide for faculty at San Jose State University reflects its status as a leading California State University campus. Based on 2025 data from the California State University Salary Database and Glassdoor, average salaries are: Assistant Professors $85,000-$105,000, Associate Professors $95,000-$125,000, Full Professors $115,000-$160,000, and Lecturers $70,000-$95,000 (full-time equivalent). Factors affecting pay include department (higher in engineering/tech), experience, tenure status, and location in high-cost San Jose. Additional compensation like summer teaching or grants can boost earnings by 10-20%. Compared to national averages, SJSU salaries are competitive, adjusted for California's living costs. For detailed breakdowns, visit Professor Salaries.
In the College of Engineering, professors often earn at the higher end due to demand, with full professors exceeding $140,000. Business faculty see similar ranges, while humanities roles may start lower but offer stability. Experience plays a key role; entry-level assistant professors with PhDs start around $90,000, rising with publications and grants. Location in San Jose adds cost-of-living adjustments, making total compensation packages attractive. Unions like the California Faculty Association negotiate for fair pay and benefits, including retirement contributions up to 10%. Trends for 2025 show salary increases of 3-5% due to inflation and retention efforts. Academics considering salaries in San Jose State University academia should factor in housing stipends and professional development allowances. Compare with other institutions via University Salaries.
Department-specific variations are notable: Science faculty average $100,000+, while arts and humanities range $80,000-$110,000. Administrative roles, like department chairs, add stipends of $10,000-$20,000. Overall, faculty salaries at San Jose State University support a high quality of life, with opportunities for supplemental income through consulting in Silicon Valley.
| Role | Average Salary 📊 | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $95,000 | $85,000-$105,000 |
| Associate Professor | $110,000 | $95,000-$125,000 |
| Full Professor | $135,000 | $115,000-$160,000 |
| Lecturer | $82,000 | $70,000-$95,000 |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at San Jose State University
Discover top educators at San Jose State University through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. This platform helps students and academics evaluate teaching quality, with ratings based on clarity, helpfulness, and difficulty. High-rated professors enhance learning experiences in programs like engineering and business.
Dr. Ruth Huard - Engineering
Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ - Known for innovative tech courses.
Prof. Craig Clements - Meteorology
Rating: 4.7/5 - Expert in wildfire research.
Dr. Tabitha Hart - Communication Studies
Rating: 4.9/5 - Engaging lectures on media.
Prof. Ahmed Banafa - Business
Rating: 4.6/5 - Blockchain and AI specialist.
Dr. Lili Luo - Information Science
Rating: 4.8/5 - Focus on digital libraries.
Prof. Marcos Pizarro - Education
Rating: 4.7/5 - Advocate for equity in teaching.
Career Progression at San Jose State University
Career progression at San Jose State University follows a structured path, starting from lecturer or assistant professor to tenure-track roles and full professorship. Tenure typically requires 6-7 years of teaching, research, and service. Salaries increase with rank: assistants at $90k, associates at $110k, full at $135k+. Research funding from grants supports advancement, especially in tech fields. Professional development includes workshops and sabbaticals. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
SJSU's strengths in interdisciplinary research aid promotions, with opportunities for leadership in centers like the Mineta Transportation Institute.
Research and Innovation at San Jose State University
Research at San Jose State University focuses on AI, sustainability, and health equity, with centers like the Institute for the Study of Sport, Society and Social Change. 2025 trends emphasize climate resilience and cybersecurity, funded by NSF and industry. Collaborations with Silicon Valley firms drive innovation. Explore Research Jobs.
Major areas include biotechnology and urban studies, with annual funding exceeding $50 million.
Resources for San Jose State University Academics
- Professional development workshops through the Center for Faculty Development 🎓
- California Faculty Association for union support
- Comprehensive benefits including health and retirement
- Research grants via the Office of Research
- Mentoring programs for new faculty
Student Life and Perspectives at San Jose State University
Student life at San Jose State University is vibrant, with over 400 clubs, diverse housing, and events in Silicon Valley. Programs in engineering and business lead to high employment rates. Use Rate My Professor for course selection. Career outcomes include jobs at tech firms; resources like the Career Center support internships.
Perspectives highlight inclusivity and hands-on learning.

